This is a particularly pretty old French Empire (c.1800-1815) Red Coral tiara. From our final photo, you can see that these were worn in a variety of ways, side of head or top, or to the back a bit more. The comb arrangement on this particular one is a swivel-mount to make that versatility so much simpler. The tiara also has the 2 end loops through which a string could be run to anchor through the hair, as most do. That image is of women in the Napolenic era, and is shown only for reference. The portraits are not listed nor available for sale, sorry. Red coral was then and historically believed to have protective properties to it, legend goes that red coral is the frozen blood of Medusa when her head was severed. The protective qualities were thought to be particularly for young (virginal) females, so a red coral tiara was often given to a young lady and treasured ever after. In the Napoleon era, these tiaras were at height of fashion and were worn by all ages of women. Measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent for age and type. This one hasn't a single facet cut and graduated size big bead, and all of the smaller row of beads are also in place. I am quite sure there is a karat gold bead trim at top of each facet cut bead, though we didn't test them. And I'm also quite sure that the swivel mount on the 2-tine arched comb is in karat gold. The balance of the metal in this one is a brass alloy.
